We missed the real gale again. Skunked by the tides this time. Drinking tea at speed central with Daffy while it was blowing its tits orff outside.

On the bright side, I tried Mal Wright's TM48 for the first time and reckon this fin is one of the best ever made. Never let go even in the chop and it's surface area is tiny. Ridiculously slippery too.

The wind was howling on the high tide. 35-45 knots. By the time we got into the inlet, the wind may have eased a bit but I recon still 30-40kts. I was hanging on hard to the 5.0m trying to cross the channel in the big gusts! Some of the gusts when I was walking back seemed pretty strong!

A few times, when walking back I noticed the win shift briefly WSW, but didnt get on any so the course was waaaay too broad and very rough.

I tried a 16cm Lessacher Duo assy. Tiny fin, but amazing grip and lift. I never felt nervous on it despite the washing machine chop.

Tried 3 runs and gave up. It was fun to be amongst some real wild wind though!